Conspicuous consumption of music, live and otherwise, in Boston and beyond.

November 22, 2005

A few short notes from the end run.

While JSU got there first, I will duly report -- having been among those who repeated La Cieca's initial scoop -- that apparently, the "flying bed" in the Met's current Roméo set sail once again last night, with Natalie Dessay aboard. Nor was the bed the only thing floating -- the Associated Press reviewer was, too, to judge by this.

We already know that John von Rhein was immune to the charms of The Midsummer Marriage, while Wynne Delacoma did her level best to appreciate it. Heidi Waleson is yet to be heard from, and my official review will presumably hit the subscriber-only Musical America site Tuesday morning, after which I'll feel free to summarize the highlights. Meanwhile, you can see a few choice images from the premiere at Playbill Arts, such as this shot of former gymnast Paul Christiano as Strephon during the first of the Ritual Dances. Whatever you made of the piece (or more specifically, the libretto), ain't no denying this was a bitchin' show.

In more sober news, here's wishing a speedy recovery to Cheryl Studer, who suffered what was reported to be a minor heart attack prior to a Madrid recital on Friday. ("Minor heart attack" strikes me as an oxymoron right up there with "jumbo shrimp" and "working vacation.")